MEDFORD, MA. – Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for New England and United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that William Mejia-Cruz, of Medford, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge George Z. Singal to 14 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin. Mejia-Cruz pleaded guilty to the offense on August 26, 2010.

In 2009, the DEA and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a Massachusetts-based cocaine and heroin trafficking organization that distributed the drugs to Maine customers. Mejia-Cruz was the leader of this drug trafficking organization.

During the investigation, agents wiretapped six telephones used by Mejia-Cruz and learned that he received orders from Maine drug buyers. After receiving such orders, Mejia-Cruz dispatched couriers to meet with the buyers at locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Agents watched numerous drug transactions occur and followed the buyers back to Maine where Maine State Police conducted traffic stops that resulted in the seizure of cocaine and heroin.

On February 19, 2010, agents searched Mejia-Cruz’s “stash house” in Medford, Massachusetts and seized 400 grams of heroin and over 600 grams of cocaine. At sentencing, Mejia-Cruz was held responsible for conspiracy to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine and more than two kilograms of heroin.

The investigation led to the conviction of twenty-six defendants for drug trafficking or money laundering offenses. Four defendants received sentences of ten years or more imprisonment. This case was principally investigated by the DEA, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Maine State Police, the Medford, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Haverhill, Massachusetts Police Department.